Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a slowly progressive disorder in which the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) and other abdominal organs are blocked by a fibrous mass and inflammation in the back of the abdomen. The disorder may cause chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy or chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy.[1] Risk factors for retroperitoneal fibrosis include asbestos exposure, smoking, tumor, infection, trauma, radiotherapy, surgery, and use of certain drugs.[1][2][3]

Surgery to remove the mass and free the ureters may be required. In some cases, the ureters will be moved to a different position in the body or wrapped in fat tissue harvested from other areas to prevent recurrence of the fibrosis. Stents (drainage tubes) placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of the symptoms until the mass can be removed. Corticosteroid therapy (a type of anti-inflammatory medicine) may help if surgery can't be done due to other medical conditions. In addition, some doctors use the drug tamoxifen to treat this condition.[2]

Last updated: 10/15/2013

What is the goal of treatment for retroperitoneal fibrosis ?

The aims of treatment of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are multiple:[2]

To stop the progression of the fibro-inflammatory reaction

To inhibit or relieve the obstruction of the ureters or other retroperitoneal structures

To switch off the acute-phase reaction (symptoms can include side, back, or abdominal pain) and its systemic manifestations (such as fatigue, low-grade fever, nausea, weight loss, and myalagias)

To prevent disease recurrence or relapse

Last updated: 10/15/2013

What is the typical prognosis for patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis?

The outlook for patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis is usually considered to be good, but severe complications such as chronic renal failure, requiring kidney transplant, can arise.[1][2]